driver's handbook

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 ment practices require the collection of certain personal information in theDisclaimer driver licensing process. This personal information identifies an individual andThe Florida Driver’s Handbook covers is used for records management, drivermany condensed and paraphrased points improvement, financial responsibility,of Florida’s laws and provides safety ad- and law enforcement purposes.vice not covered in the laws. The hand- Failure to provide the required informa-book is not a legal authority and should tion will result in denial of a license ornot be used in a court of law. The Florida identification card. Falsification of infor-Driver’s Handbook is printed in volume mation may result in prosecution. Floridaand copies already obtained will not re- law specifies that all documents or otherflect any changes made by Legislature material made or received in connectionregarding fees or laws passed after the with the transaction of official businessrevision date. by any agency are public records. In addi- tion to all documents, information taken Remember Driving Is A from them is subject to public disclosure Privilege and Not A Right. under Florida’s Public Records law. This Protect Yourself and Others personal information, including name, By Knowing The Laws and address and driver license number is con- fidential by law, but may be given to law Driving Safely. enforcement agencies, insurance compa- nies, credit bureaus, lending institutions,Warning and any other entity exempted by stat- ute. Medical information, social securityUnder section 322.212 (5), Florida Stat- number and emergency contact informa-utes, it is a third degree felony to use a tion are further protected and may onlyfalse or fictitious name in any application be released as specifically authorized byfor a driver license or identification card, Florida law.or to knowingly make a false statement, The Division of Motorist Services strivesknowingly conceal a material fact, or oth- to ensure the accuracy of informationerwise commit a fraud in any such appli- obtained in the licensing process andcation. makes every effort to correct any incor- rect information in its files. Incorrect in-Violators face immediate arrest and, formation may be corrected by supplyingupon conviction, penalties up to a max- your complete name, date of birth, driverimum fine of $5,000 and imprisonment license number, information on the natureup to 5 years. of the error and proof that it is an error to the Chief, Bureau of Records, Neil Kirk-The Florida Department of Highway man Building, MS 89, Tallahassee, FloridaSafety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV)will 32399-0575, or telephone (850) 617-2000..suspend the driving privilege for one year Certain information, such as convictionof any person who makes a fraudulent reports received from a court, can onlyapplication for a Florida driver license. be corrected upon notification from the court that the report was in error.Under section 322.36, Florida Statutes, itis unlawful for any person to authorizeor knowingly permit a motor vehicle tobe operated by any person who does nothold a valid driver license.Public RecordsFlorida law and sound records manage- 2

Automobile insurance information is Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014exempt from the Public Records Law. lane unless passing. s. 318.081 F.S.This information is provided to any par-ty involved in the crash, their attorney • Revises due process proceduresor insurance company, law enforcement for red light camera violation. Thisagencies and officers of the court, after change allows placement of a stopreceiving a written request and copy of on any vehicle owned or co-ownedthe crash report. by the offender.Important Law • Establishes when a privateChanges for 2014 entity may swipe a driver license or identification card and how the data • The breath levels for the Ignition may be used. Also establishes civil Interlock Device was lowered from recourse. s. 322143 F.S. 0.05 to 0.025. s.322.2715 F.S. • Customers may provide • Commercial Driver License contributions to ACG Safety Foun- Holders are disqualified for use of dation (Auto Club Group) through handheld communication devices the driver license or tax collector while driving. s. 322.212(7) F.S. office - A new voluntary contribu- tion. s. 322.08 F.S. • Allows drivers to present proof of insurance in an electronic format. • S. 316.305 F.S establishes s 316.646 F.S. operating a motor vehicle in motion while manually typing into a wire- • Requires drivers to stay in right less communications device as a secondary offense.DRIVE SAFELY! 3

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 This driver’s handbook provides some basic information you will need to beMessage from the a safe driver and understand Florida’sDirector traffic laws and regulations. This knowl- edge, along with driving experience and The Department your sense of responsibility while driving of Highway Safety can help protect you, your family, your and Motor Vehi- friends and other highway users. cles touches the lives of nearly ev- As a Department, we will continue to ery Floridian and make doing business with us easier, faster visitor to our great and better. Safe and considerate driving is state. All members everyone’s responsibility and we wish you of DHSMV are de- many years of happy and safe driving. voted to achieving Clayton Boyd Walden, Director our vision of a safer Division of Motorist ServicesFlorida, and we are proud to serve you.We are focused and committed to proac- Providing Highwaytively protecting our roadways; enhanc- Safety and Securitying online services; increasing strategic through Excellencerelationships with stakeholders; improv- in Service, Educationing customer service; measuring critical and Enforcement.business indicators and managing basedon those results. On The RoadPay Attention. Pass Safely! VehicleSize Matters. 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 Name Changes............................................... 30SECTION 1 - CONTACT Non-Immigrants............................................ 30INFORMATION Veterans........................................................... 31DHSMV Contact Information...................... 6Crash Reports................................................... 6 SECTION 4 - DRIVINGDriving Transcripts......................................... 6 PRIVILEGEEmergency Contact Information.................. 7 Driving a Motor Vehicle in Florida............. 34Florida GrandDriver....................................... 7On-Line License Check.................................. 7 • Revocation, Suspension andOn-Line Motor Vehicle Check...................... 7 Cancellation ............................................ 32Other Important Contact Information........ 7Florida DOT 511.............................................. 8 The Point System............................................ 35Move Over Law................................................ 9 Red Light Cameras/Infractions................... 35Florida Organ and Mandatory Restriction for Minors............. 36Tissue Donor Program................................... 9 Zero Tolerance............................................... 36 Driving While Under the Influence............ 36SECTION 2 - THE FLORIDA Other Serious Violations.............................. 38DRIVER LICENSE Administrative Hearings.............................. 39Who Needs a Florida License...................... 12 Insurance Laws............................................... 39Who Does Not Need a Florida License...... 12 Crashes............................................................ 41Classified Driver Licenses ........................... 13 Littering........................................................... 43Identification Requirements........................ 13 Road Damage................................................. 43 • Non U.S. Citizens.................................... 13 SECTION 5 - DRIVING SAFETY • Social Security Requirements............... 15 Distracted Driving......................................... 45 • Address Requirements........................... 16 Getting Ready to Drive................................. 45Parental Consent............................................ 16 Defensive Driving.......................................... 46Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education.... 17 Driving Safety for Mature Drivers.............. 46Testing.............................................................. 17 When You Back Up....................................... 47 • Purpose of Driver License Avoiding Rear-end Collisions...................... 47Examination................................................... 17 Emotions......................................................... 47 • Testing Methods..................................... 17 Basic Driver Improvement........................... 48 • Examination Requirements.................. 17 Safety Belts...................................................... 48 • Examination Info.................................... 18 Protecting Children....................................... 49 • Vision Requirements............................. 18 Speed Limits................................................... 50Examinations.................................................. 18 Following Officer’s andPhysical and Mental Requirements............ 20 Fireman’s Instructions................................... 51Restrictions and Endorsements................... 20 Crossing Intersections................................... 51Selective Service............................................. 21 Right-of-Way.................................................... 1Sexual Offenders/Predators......................... 21 Stop Signs........................................................ 51Career Offender............................................. 22 Open Intersections........................................ 52Voluntary Contributions.............................. 22 Roundabouts.................................................. 52Fees................................................................... 23 Driveways........................................................ 53 Emergency Vehicles....................................... 53SECTION 3 - OBTAINING YOUR Making Turns................................................. 53LICENSE / ID CARD Turnabout....................................................... 54Learner’s License............................................ 26 Turn Signals & Emergency Signals............. 54Class E License............................................... 26 Traffic Lanes.................................................... 54License Renewal............................................. 27 Blind Spots...................................................... 55License Replacement .................................... 28 Passing............................................................. 55Motorcycle Only License.............................. 29 Following Distance........................................ 56Motorcycle Also License............................... 29 Parking............................................................. 58Identification Cards....................................... 29 5Change of Address......................................... 30

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 SECTION 8 - VEHICLEExpressway Driving....................................... 60 EQUIPMENTNight Driving................................................. 61 Equipment Standards.................................... 92Animals........................................................... 62 Other Equipment Standards........................ 94Reduced Visibility.......................................... 63Handling Emergencies.................................. 64 • Bumper Height Requirements............. 87First Aid........................................................... 65 Equipment Not Permitted............................ 95 Additional Equipment Required................. 95SECTION 6 SHARING THE ROAD Limitations on Towing.................................. 95Pedestrians...................................................... 69 Limitations on Loading................................ 96Bicycles............................................................ 70 Projecting Load.............................................. 96Motorcycles..................................................... 72 Anti-lock Braking.......................................... 96Mopeds............................................................ 73 Emissions-Please Do Not Temper.............. 97School Buses................................................... 73 Vehicle Licensing........................................... 97Sharing the Road with Trucks .................... 74 Proving Ownership....................................... 97Golf Carts........................................................ 76 Applying for Title, License Plates................ 97 SECTION 9 – DRIVING SCHOOLSSECTION 7 - SIGNALS, SIGNS Traffic Law SubstanceAND PAVEMENT MARKINGS Abuse Education..........................................100Traffic Signals................................................. 79 Third Party Tester –7.2 Pedestrian Signals.................................... 80 Driver License Exams.................................100Lane Signals.................................................... 80 Advanced Driver Improvement................100Ramp Signals.................................................. 81 Basic Driver Improvement.........................100Traffic Signs..................................................... 81 Electing to Attend Traffic School..............101 DUI................................................................ 101 • Railroad Crossing Signs and Signals... 79 Mature Driver Insurance Courses............102 • Drawbridge Signs and Signals.............. 80 • Special Signs............................................ 81Pavement Markings....................................... 88 6

Section 1 Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014Contact Information of information available when you place your request:This Section Covers: Date of Crash• DHSMV Contact Information County of Crash• Other Important Contacts & Name of Fatality Victim Traffic Homicide Case Number Information1.1 – DHSMV Contact Crash Reports OnlineInformation Crash reports can now be purchased on-1.1.1 - DHSMV Contacts: line at www.buycrash.com. Additional fees may apply.Customer Service Center (850) 617-2000 1.1.3 - Driving Transcripts DHSMV Official Web Site You may purchase an uncertified copy of www.flhsmv.gov your driving transcript from the driver license and tax collector offices that offer Ask Us a Question driver license services. Certified copies Common customer questions and an- of your driving transcript are available swers https://ffdhsmv.custhelp.com/ through the Clerk of the Court or the Bureau of Records. To obtain a certified Identification Requirements copy of a driving transcript in the mail, GatherGoGet.com submit a written request that includes Find out what you need to bring with your full name, date of birth or approxi- you before you make the trip. mate age, social security number, Florida driver license number (if available) and On-Line Transactions (DHSMV the address where to send the record, Virtual Office) along with the appropriate fee to: GoRenew.com Bureau of Records1.1.2 - Crash Reports P.O. Box 5775Crash reports may be obtained on-line. Tallahassee, Florida 32314-5775Crash reports are kept in the local dis- If you wish to use next day delivery carri-tricts for two years from the date of the ers, please send your request to:crash. Homicide reports are kept in the Bureau of Recordslocal districts for five years from the date 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 90of crash. Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0575.To order a crash report ($10) older than Cost for records are:2 years, call (850) 617-3416. $8 .............. 3-yearTo order a traffic homicide report ($25) $10 ............ 7-year (complete)older than 5 years, call (850) 617-2306. $10 ............ 3-year or 7-year (certified)To order traffic homicide photographs,call (850) 617-3409. Photographs are $1 Clerks of Court and Tax Collector officesfor 5”x7” or $1.50 for 8”x10”. may charge an additional $6.25 serviceNOTE: When requesting photographs, fee.have at least two of the following pieces You may pay by personal check or mon- ey order made payable to the Division of Motorist Services. For high-volume 7

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014requests or corporate/business access to communication support, the Floridathe driver license database, please visit GrandDriver® campaign is designed toour web page at www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/ help prepare drivers to “Get Aroundabstract.html. Safe and Sound.” in their later years. The campaign aims to educate drivers fami-1.1.4 - Emergency Contact ly, friends and caregivers about the chal-Information lenges many people face trying to stayIn an emergency situation could law en- connected to communities as we age.forcement personnel contact someone Florida GrandDriver® provides informa-for you? tion about various steps drivers may takeThey could if you to maintain independence as long as pos-had entered your sible as well as actions we can take to stayinformation mobile in our communities when we re-onto the emer- strict or stop driving. For more informa-gency contact tion visit www.flhsmv.gov/FloridaGrand-information system. The system allows DriverFloridians to voluntarily provide emer-gency contact information online, giv- 1.1.6 – On-Line License Checking law enforcement immediate access Visit our web site at http://services.fl-to this information and making it easier hsmv.gov/DLCheck/ to take advantagefor them to speak with someone quicker of the following services:in case of emergency.If you have a Florida driver license or • Driver License Checkidentification card, you can go online • Online Insurance Updateat https://services.flhsmv.gov/eci/ and • Driving School Eligibility Checkenter your emergency contact informa- • Social Security Number Updatetion. This information is available to law • Parental Access of Minor Drivingenforcement officers through a secure,web-based system and, by law, can only Historybe used in the event of an emergency. • Driver License and ID Card1.1.5 - Florida GrandDriver® Tracking SystemFlorida GrandDriver® is an educationand awareness campaign of the Florida 1.1.7 – On-Line Motor Vehicle CheckDepartment of Highway Safety and Mo- Visit or our website at https://services.tor Vehicles and is based on a program flhsmv.gov/MVCheckWeb/ for assistancedeveloped by the American Association with registration or title problems.of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAM-VA). The goal of the campaign is to edu- 1.2 - Other Important Contacts &cate the public about the effects of age on Information:driving ability and to encourage driversto make appropriate choices as we age Florida Clerks of Court- choices that maximize personal safety http://www.flclerks.com/and the safety of our communities. Florida Department ofUsing interactive community outreach Transportationactivities combined with Web-based http://www.dot.state.fl.us/ Florida Tax Collector Association http://www.floridataxcollectors.com Hurricanes Safety Tips http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/misc/ HurricaneLinksTips.htm Social Security Administration 8

http://www.ssa.gov/ Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014United States Citizenship and Travelers can also register to receive traf-Immigration Services fic alerts via phone call, text message or http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/ email. These alerts can be customized by uscis choosing the time of day, day of week and severity of incidents.1.2.1 - Florida Department of FDOT reminds all travelers to check 511Transportation’s Free 511 Traffic before traveling, have a passenger checkInformation Service 511 or pull over to avoid distracted driving.The Florida Department of Transpor-tation’s (FDOT) toll-free 511 Traveler Safety TipsInformation System provides up-to- • Call 511 before driving or have adate traffic information in English and passenger call to avoid using a phoneSpanish for ma- while driving.jor Florida road- • Customize your trip at FL511.comways. The sys- before leaving to minimize timetem is updated spent on the phone.with information • Leave yourself ample time to reachabout crashes, your destination to avoid feelingcommuter travel rushed.times, congestion, lane closures, severe • Take regular breaks and rotateweather, construction and emergency drivers during long trips to avoidevacuation information on interstate driving while fatigued.highways, Florida’s Turnpike and other • Always wear a safety belt.metropolitan roadways. • Don’t drink and drive.There are four convenient ways for mo- Florida 511 Featurestorists to receive traffic updates: • Traffic information on all interstate• Call 511 toll free for updates in highways, toll roads and many otherEnglish and Spanish. metropolitan roadways.• Visit FL511.com, with interactive • Commuter travel times and reportsroadway maps showing traffic con- on crashes, congestion and construction.gestion and crashes, travel times and • Public transit, airport and seaporttraffic camera views. information.• Download the free Florida 511 • AMBER, Silver and LEO Alertsmobile app at the iTunes or Google (America’s Missing: BroadcastPlay store. Emergency Response (AMBER)• Follow one of the 12 statewide, Alerts notify the public of the mostregional or roadway-specific feeds serious child-abduction cases. Silveron Twitter. To find a list of the re- Alerts notify the public when lawgional Twitter accounts, please visit: enforcement agencies are searchinghttp://www.fl511.com/Twitter.aspx for missing adults or citizens with cognitive impairments, includingFor custom travel alerts, motorist can Alzheimer’s disease or other forms ofregister for My Florida 511 personalized dementia. Law Enforcement Officerservices on FL511.com. Users can visit (LEO) Alerts notify the publicthe website to register routes they fre- when law enforcement officers arequently use in order to hear information searching for an offender(s) whoon those routes first when calling 511. has seriously injured or killed a law 9

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 enforcement officer.) 1.2.3 - Florida Organ and Tissue • FL511.com provides travel Donor Program Donate Life Florida is the non-profit information, traffic camera views 501(c)3 organization contracted by the and free personalized services, State of Florida, Agency for Health Care including customized travel routes Administration to cre- and e-mail, text and phone call ate and oversee the alerts. state’s organ, eye, and • Voice-activated and touch-tone tissue donor registry navigation available when calling in addition to imple- 511. menting educational • The 511 phone call and FL511.com initiatives tailored to website are available in English and increase understanding and support for Spanish. donation and donor designation.1.2.2 - Florida’s Move Over LawFlorida’s Move Over Law protects law The Joshua Abbott Organ & Tissue Do-enforcement officers, emergency work- nor Registry was created in July 2009 toers and tow truck allow Floridians an easy, user-friend-drivers stopped ly means of joining the state’s Registry.along roadways Floridians can join the Registry onlinewhile perform- at www.DonateLifeFlorida.org, whening their jobs. renewing their driver license online, orViolating the Move Over Law puts both when obtaining/renewing their licenseyourself and a public safety professional at a local driver license office. Individu-at risk of injury or death and can result in als can also request a registration form byfines and points on your license. calling Donate Life Florida at 1-877-FL-• On a two-lane roadway, you are SHARE (1-877-357-4273).required to slow to a speed that is 20miles per hour less than the posted Individuals that already have “organ do-speed limit. nor” on their licenses or identification• If the speed limit is 20 miles per card are still encouraged to join the newhour or less, you must slow down to Registry, ensuring their wishes are doc-five miles per hour. umented.• If you are driving on an interstate orroadway with multiple lanes of Today, more than 100,000 children andtravel in the same direction, and adults await lifesaving organ transplantsyou approach an emergency or law while hundreds of thousands more are inenforcement vehicle parked along need of tissue transplants. Together, wethe roadway, you must vacate the can make a difference.lane closest to that vehicle as soonas it is safe to do so. If you are not How Can You Help?able to safely move over, you mustslow down to a speed of 20 MPH 1. Learn the facts about organ, eyebelow the posted speed limit unless and tissue donation.directed otherwise by a law enforce-ment officer. 2. Designate your wishes by joining the Joshua Abbott Organ & Tissue Donor Registry atViolators of the Move Over Law will be www.DonateLifeFlorida.orgissued a citation! For more information,please visit www.flhsmv.gov/fhp. 10

3. Spread the word about the Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 importance of donation and do- nor designation with family and Test Your friends. Knowledge4. Get involved as a volunteer, 1. What is the move over law? contribute financially in sup- (See section 1.2.2) port of the Registry or statewide 2. What is the benefit of the educational initiatives, or request Emergency Contact a speaker by calling Donate Life Information System? Florida at 1-877-FL-SHARE. (See Section 1.1.4) 3. How can you participate in5. ALL OF THE ABOVE the Florida Organ and TissueDonor Program? (See section 1.2.3) 4. What is the web address used to check the status of your driver license? (See section 1.1.6) 11

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014LTSeihcceetiFnolsoner2ida Driver movable car seats specially designed to keep babies and young children from be-This Section Covers: ing injured in car crashes. A lap belt may• 2.1: Definitions be used as a restraint for children four• 2.1:Who Needs a Florida years old or older. Conviction: A judgment of guilt in a License court. In a driver’s record, suspended sen-• 2.3:Who Does Not Need a tences, forfeiting/entreasures of bonds, and pleas of no contest count against the Florida License driver just as a conviction does.• 2.4: Florida Classified Driver Department: The Department of High- way Safety and Motor Vehicles. Licenses Endorsement: A special authorization• 2.5: Identification which permits a person to drive certain types of vehicles, transport certain types Requirements of property or transport a number of pas-• 2.6: Parent’s Consent for Minors sengers.• 2.7:Traffic Law Substance Felony: Any criminal offense that is pun- ishable under the laws of this state, or Abuse Education that would be punishable if committed• 2.8:Testing in this state, by death or imprisonment in• 2.9: Physical and Mental a state penitentiary. “State penitentiary” includes state correctional facilities. Requirements Immigrant: A “Permanent Resident• 2.10: Restriction and Alien” who is admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Endorsement Codes on Florida Immigrants are legally accorded the priv- Licenses ilege of residing permanently in the Unit-• 2.11: Selective Service ed States and are issued immigrant visas• 2.12: Sexual Offenders and or adjusted to permanent resident status Sexual Predators by the USCIS.• 2.13: Career Offender Intersection: Where two streets meet or• 2.14:Voluntary Contributions cross.• 2.15: Fees Motor Vehicle: Any self-propelled vehi- cle not operated upon rails or guide way,2.1 - Definitions but not including any bicycle, motorizedBusiness District: An area where 50% or scooter, electric personal assistive device,more of the land next to the road is used swamp buggy, or moped. as defined infor businesses. section 316.003, Florida Statutes.Bicycle: Every vehicle propelled solely by Motorcycle: Any motor vehicle havinghuman power. a seat or saddle for the use of the riderCancellation: The act of declaring a driv-er’s license void and terminated.Certified Copy: A copy which is markedin some official way to show that it is atrue copy of the original document. Toget a certified copy of a document, youmust contact the agency that issued theoriginal document.Child Restraints: Infant carriers or re- 12

and designed to travel on not more than Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014three wheels in contact with the ground, 2.2 - Who Needs a Floridabut excluding a tractor or a moped. License?Non-Immigrant: An alien who seekstemporary entry to the United States for • If you live in Florida and want toa specific purpose and who has declared drive a motor vehicle on publicones intention to stay only for a tempo- streets and highways.rary period of time.Pedestrian: Any person afoot. • If you move to Florida and have aResident: A person, who has his prin- valid license from another state, youcipal place of domicile in this state for must get a Florida license within 30a period of more than six consecutive days of becoming a resident.months, has registered to vote, has made You are considered a resident ofa statement of domicile pursuant to sec- Florida if you:tion 222.17, Florida Statutes, or has filed a. Enroll your children in publicfor homestead exemption on property in school, orthis state. b. Register to vote, orResidential District: An area where c. File for a homestead exemption, ormost of the land next to the road is used d. Accept employment, orfor homes. e. Reside in Florida for more than sixRestriction: A prohibition against oper- consecutive months.ating certain types of motor vehicles ora requirement that a driver comply with 2.3 - Who Does Not Need acertain conditions when driving a motor Florida License?vehicle. The following persons may drive in Flori-Revocation: The termination of a licens- da without a Florida driver license, if theyee’s privilege to drive a motor vehicle. have a valid license from another state orSuspension: The temporary withdrawal country:of a licensee’s privilege to drive a motorvehicle. • Any non-resident who is at least 16U.S. Citizen: A person born in the U.S., years old providing;Naturalized, or one who has obtained a • The non-resident has a validCertificate of Citizenship from the De- non-commercial driver licensepartment of State. from another state or territory ofVehicle: Every device, in, upon, or by the United States; orwhich any person is or may be trans- • An International Driving Permitported or drawn upon a highway, except from his or her country of res-devices used exclusively upon stationary idence accompanied by a validrails or tracks. license from that country. • Persons employed by the United States government driving a United States government motor vehicle on official business. • Any non-resident working for a firm on a contract for the United States government. (This exemption is only for 60 days.) • Any non-resident attending college in Florida. • Persons who drive only vehicles like farm tractors or road machines temporarily on the highway may drive without a license. 13

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014• A licensed driver that lives in • Any size vehicle which requiresanother state and travels regular- hazardous material placards or isly between his home and work in carrying material listed as a selectFlorida. agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73.• Non-resident migrant farm workers Federal regulations through theeven though they are employed or Department of Homeland Securityplace children in the public schools, require a background check andproviding they have a valid license fingerprinting for the Hazardousfrom their home state. Materials endorsement.1. Members of the Armed Forces sta-tioned in Florida and their dependents, There is a separate manual entitled Com-with these exceptions: mercial Driver License Manual for trucka. Service member or spouse claims and bus drivers. This manual is availablehomestead exemption (All drivers in at any Motorist Services or Tax Collectorfamily must obtain Florida licenses), licensing agent office that offers driver li-b. Service member becomes employed cense services or on DHSMV’s web page(All drivers in family must obtain at www.flhsmv.gov. If you wish to drive aFlorida licenses), motor vehicle you must be properly test-c. Spouse becomes employed (Spouse ed and licensed.and children who drive must obtainFlorida licenses), 2.5 - Identification Requirementsd. Child becomes employed (Onlyemployed child who drives must All applicants for a Florida driver licenseobtain Florida license) or identification card must present: • Primary identification (Step 1); • Proof of social security number or2.4 - Florida Classified Driver if you have not been issued a socialLicenses security number, you must bringThe Department of Highway Safety and a letter from the Social SecurityMotor Vehicles issues the following class- Administration indicating that youes of licenses: Class A, B, C, and E. Class E were never issued one. In additionis for drivers of non-commercial vehicles. you will need to provide a secondaryThis handbook contains information form of identification (Step 2);needed to obtain a Class E License. • Two documents showing your residential address (Step 3).Classes A, B, and C are for drivers of If your name has changed since the is-commercial motor vehicles such as large suances of the primary identification,trucks and buses. you will need to present a name change document. See section 3.3.1 for a list ofYou must have a CDL to operate: acceptable name change documents.• Any single vehicle with a grossvehicle weight rating (GVWR) of Please visit www.GatherGoGet.com to26,001 pounds or more. obtain a personalized list of require-• A combination vehicle with a gross ments.combination weight rating of 26,001or more pounds, if the trailer(s) has Step 1: Primary Identification a GVWR of 10,001 or more pounds.• A vehicle designed to transport 16 U.S. Citizens must provide one of the fol- lowing original or certified documents: or more passengers (including the driver). 1. Certified United States birth certificate, including territories and 14

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014District of Columbia. The birth Citizenship and Immigration Ser-certificate must be issued by a vice (Form I-688B or I-766)government agency. Hospital birth 2. Proof of non-immigrantcertificates cannot be accepted. classification provided by United2. Valid unexpired United States States Citizenship and Immigrationpassport or Passport Card Service (Form I-94, not expired,3. Consular Report of Birth Abroad with required supporting attach-4. Certificate of Naturalization ment(s). If in doubt regarding5. Certificate of Citizenship required documents, please bring all of your Citizenship and Immigra-Immigrants must provide one of the fol- tion Services documentation withlowing original or certified documents you). I-94s must be accompaniedto establish continuous lawful presence: by a valid Passport with a valid U.S.1. Valid Alien Registration receipt Visa affixed. Certain classificationscard, (Green card, Form I-151 require additional documentation.or I-551, or Permanent Resident Some examples are:Card) • F-1 and M-1 classification must2. I-551 stamp in a valid passport also be accompanied by an I-20.with a valid U.S. Visa affixed or on • J-1 or J-2 designation must bean approved I-94 accompanied by a DS-2019.3. Immigration Judges Order, with • Refugee, asylee and paroleethe customer’s A-number, granting classifications must be accompa-asylum nied by additional documentation.4. I-797, with the customer’sA-number, stating the customer has The following documents will only bebeen granted asylum accepted with a supporting document,5. I-797 or another form from the including but not limited to a Passport,Citizenship and Immigration Ser- Florida Driver License or Identificationvices, with the customer’s A-num- Card, Driver License from any otherber, stating the customer’s applica- state, Employment Authorization Card,tion for Refugee status is approved. Employer Identification, Identification from home country, Identification fromCanadian Citizens must provide one of school or college, Social Security Card orthe following original or certified doc- other Citizenship and Immigration Ser-uments to establish continuous lawful vices document.presence: • I-571 Travel Document/Refugee1. Valid Canadian passport Travel Permit2. Original or certified Canadian birth • I-512 Parole Letter Acceptedcertificate • IJO- Asylum or Cancellation of3. Canadian Naturalization Certificate Removal - Immigration Judges Or-4. Canadian Certificate of Citizenship der granting Asylum or Cancellation of Removal.Non-Immigrants must provide one ofthe following original documents to es- Immigrants, Canadian citizens, and oth-tablish continuous lawful presence. The er non-immigrants applying for a Floridadocument must be valid for more than driver license will be issued a 30-day pa-30 days: per temporary driving permit without a1. Valid Employment Authorization photo. Non-U.S. citizens applying for anCard issued by the United States original identification card will be issued a receipt. 15

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014DHSMV will review the identification If you have never been issued a social se-documents provided and electronically curity number and you are a U.S. citizenverify their validity with the Department or immigrant, you must provide a letterof Homeland Security, FDLE and the FBI. from the Social Security AdministrationIf your identity and legal presence is veri- indicating that a number has never beenfied, you will be issued a driver license or issued. You must also provide one of theidentification card at the issuance office. secondary documents listed below. AllIf proof of identity / legal presence does non-immigrants, including Canadians,not verify, the transaction will require must provide one of the following sec-secondary verification. If the proof of ondary documents:identity / legal presence verifies in thesecondary verification process, the driver 1. A driver license from the Districtlicense or identification card will be sent of Columbia, U.S. Territories, orto you in the mail h if the secondary veri- one of our 50 statesfication does not verify, the driver license 2. School record stating date of birth,or identification card issuance will be de- which must contain the registrar’snied. signatureGo to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigra- 3. Transcript of the birth record filedtion Services website located at http:// with a public officer charged withwww.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis for in- the duty of recording certificatesformation about obtaining identification/ 4. Baptism certificate, which showslegal presence documents for immigrants date of birth and the place ofand non-immigrants. baptism 5. Family Bible record or birthStep 2: Social Security Number or announcement in a baby bookSecondary Identification 6. An insurance policy on theFlorida law requires the collection of the customer’s life, which has been incomplete social security number as proof force for at least two years andof your identity. We will electronically which has the month, day and yearverify the information you provide with of birththe Social Security Administration. All 7. A military or military dependentapplicants for a driver license or identi- identification card (United Statesfication card must present one of the fol- Military ID cards with an Officerlowing original or certified documents as Rank will be accepted as proof ofproof of their social security numbers: citizenship only, not as a primary identification) • Social Security card 8. An identification card from the • W-2 form District of Columbia, U.S. • Pay check containing your social Territories or one of our 50 states 9. Florida license record or security number identification card record • Any 1099 form 10. Selective Service RegistrationThe name on your social security docu- (Draft Card)ment must match the name that you wish 11. Florida or out of state vehicleto have on your driver license or identifi- registrationcation card. If you recently changed your 12. Florida driver license orname, please update your records with identification cardsthe Social Security Administration first. 13. Receipt copy of your last Florida driver license issuance 14. Immigration Form I-571 16

15. Federal Form DD-214 (military Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 record) 13. Current automobile insurance 16. Marriage certificate policy or bill 17. Court order, which includes legal 14. Educational institution transcript name forms for the current school year 18. A Florida voter registration card, 15. Unexpired professional license 19. Personal identification by an issued by a government agency in examiner agent or by a person the U.S. well known to the examiner agent 16. W-2 form or 1099 form 20. Social Security Card 17. Form DS2019, Certificate of 21. Parent consent form of minor, Eligibility for Exchange Visitor signed by the parent or legal (J-1) status guardian 18. A letter from a homeless shelter, 22. Government issued out-of- transitional service provider, or country passport, driver license, half-way house verifying that the or identification card customer resides at the shelter 23. Concealed weapons permit addressGo to the Social Security Administration 19. Utility bills, mail from financialwebsite located at http://www.ssa.gov/ institutions; including checking,for information about obtaining an orig- savings, or investment accountinal or replacement social security card. statements 20. Mail from Federal, State, CountyStep 3: Proof of Residential or City government agenciesAddress (including city and countyAll applicants for a driver license or iden- agencies)tification card must present two docu- 21. Transients – Sexual Offender/ments with their residential addresses: Predator/Career Offender: FDLE Registration Form completed by local sheriff ’s department1. Deed, mortgage, monthly 2.6 - Parent’s Consent for Minors mortgage statement, mortgage If you are under 18 and are not married, payment booklet or residential your license application must be signed rental/lease agreement by one parent or legal guardian.2. Florida Voter Registration Card3. Florida Vehicle Registration or The application must be signed in front of Title the DL examiner/agent or a notary public.4. Florida Boat Registration or Title Whoever signs your application agrees to (if living on a boat/houseboat) take responsibility with you for your driv-5. Statements (Contact your local ing. If the signer decides not to accept re- driver license or tax collector sponsibility for your driving, your license office for information about using will be canceled. To cancel the license, statements). the signer must write a letter to DHSMV,7. A utility hook up at the address listed below, requesting9. Automobile Payment Booklet to withdraw their consent for the minor10. Selective Service Card driver. Include the complete name, date11. Medical or health card with of birth and driver license number of the address listed minor driver in the letter.12. Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill Division of Motorist Services Neil Kirkman Building 17

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 Licensing Assistance Programs (DELAP) 2900 Apalachee Parkway and authorized third party vendors. Tallahassee, Florida 32399 A list of driver license offices and tax col- Attn: Bureau Chief of Motorist Com- lector licensing agents can be found on pliance the DHSMV web site located at http:// The consent form must be www.flhsmv.gov/offices/. signed by a parent or legal Driver Education Many driver education teachers assist theguardian. If the document is not Department of Highway Safety and Mo- signed in front of an examiner/ tor Vehicles in licensing new drivers. Stu- dents who complete their driver license agent, the parent or legal tests through DHSMV approved Driver guardian’s signature must be Education Licensing Assistance Program (DELAP) courses in participating public notarized by a Notary. or private schools will have the results en- tered into DHSMV’s test records by their2.7 – Traffic Law Substance driver education teacher.Abuse Education The test results will be used by the lo-If you have never held a regular driver cal driver license office for issuance of alicense in any state, country, or jurisdic- learner’s driver license or Class E license.tion, you must complete a Traffic Law DHSMV may, however, test any studentand Substance Abuse Education course on a random basis before issuing a driverbefore applying for a Learner’s license license.in the state of Florida. Additional infor-mation about the Traffic Law SubstanceAbuse Education course can be found insection 9.1.2.8 – Testing2.8.1 - Purpose of Driver License Third Party TestingExamination Driver license exams (road rules or roadThe purpose of the license examination is signs) are now available from providersto determine several things: approved by Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The on-line a. Can you read and understand road service is available to students under 18 signs, traffic signals and highway years of age. Students of all ages may take markings? the exams with a provider who offers the exams in an in-person setting. A list of b. Do you know the Florida driving approved third party testers providing rules? this service can be found on our website at http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/TPDLTS_ c. Can you see well enough to drive providers.html. safely? 2.8.3 – Examination d. Do you have the skill and Requirements experience to drive safely? Persons applying for an original Florida license are required to take the following e. Do you have any physical or mental tests: handicaps that would affect your Learner’s Driver License driving? • Original - vision, hearing, and2.8.2 – Testing MethodsDriver license testing can be adminis-tered at State driver license office, tax col-lector licensing agents, Driver Education 18

Class E knowledge test.(road rules & Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 road signs) without corrective lenses: • Renewal - vision and hearing • 20/40 or better vision in each eyeClass E License with or without corrective lenses • Original - vision, hearing, and meets state requirements without Class E knowledge test.(road rules & referral to an eye specialist. road signs) • Renewal - vision and hearing • 20/50 or worse vision in either eye with or without corrective lensesNOTE: Persons holding a valid license are referred to an eye specialist forfrom other states, U.S. possessions, Can- possible improvement.ada, France, or Republic of Korea (SouthKorea) are only required to take a vision • 20/70 vision in either eye, or bothtest unless their driving ability is ques- eyes together may pass with or with-tionable; the license from the other states out corrective lenses after referralor U.S. possessions must be surrendered to an eye specialist, providing theat the time of issuance of the Florida vision in the worst eye is better thandriver license. Persons holding a license 20/200.from Germany and Taiwan are requiredto take the vision, hearing and written • If one eye is blind or 20/200 orexam. The driving test may be waived worse, the other eye must be 20/40unless their driving ability is question- or better.able.Motorcycle Endorsement - In addition • The use of telescopic lenses to meetto the above tests, customers requesting visual standards is not recognized inmotorcycle endorsements must com- Florida.plete a motorcycle rider course unlessthey have a motorcycle endorsement on Class E Knowledge Testa French, Canadian, or out-of-state li- A multiple-choice test that consists of 10cense (except Alabama). road signs for you to identify by color, shape or meaning and 40 road rules re- garding Florida traffic laws. Vehicle Inspection for Driving Test Your vehicle will be inspected to deter- mine that it is safe for a driving test.Commercial Driver Licenses - see Flor- Driving Testida CDL handbook for required exams. • You must provide a vehicle for theA copy of the CDL Handbook can be driving test. If you do not have a val-obtained on the handbook page of the id license, you must be accompaniedDHSMV website located at http://www. by a licensed driver.flhsmv.gov/handbooks/. • An interpreter can be used during2.8.4 - Examination Information the driving test. No other passengers are permitted.Vision Test - You will be restricted to You are expected to perform the follow-wearing corrective lenses when you ing maneuvers on the driving test:drive if you need to wear contact lenses • Turn About (Three Point Turn) -or glasses to pass the test. Turn your car around in a 30’ to 40’ space.Your driving privilege will be revoked if • Shift Gears -Change gears smoothlyyou are unable to meet the minimum vi-sion standards. To pass, you must meet and correctly (if your car has a man- ual shift transmission).the following vision standards with or 19

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 stopped until you can move safely • Approach of Crossing -Get in the without interfering with cross traffic proper lane and look in each direc- or pedestrians. tion. Change gears smoothly and * Keep in mind that most intersections correctly (if your car has a manual contain legal crosswalks; marked or shift transmission). unmarked. An unmarked crosswalk is • Observe Right-of-Way - Allow the portion of the roadway at an pedestrians to cross, pull over and intersection that would connect oppo- stop for emergency vehicles and do site sides of the street. not enter an intersection where you • Obey Traffic Signals - Get into the will interfere with other traffic. proper lane and approach the light at • Straight-In Parking - Park your a speed that will allow you to stop if vehicle inside the parking space the light should change. When you straight-in. When properly parked, must stop, stop before the pedes- the vehicle should be centered inside trian crosswalk or stop line. When the space with no part of the vehicle the light turns green, do not move extending out in the traffic lane. This forward until the other traffic has maneuver gives the examiner/agent cleared the intersection. Give the the opportunity to observe your correct signal for stopping and turn- ability to: ing. Watch for “no turn” and “one a) handle the vehicle in close quarters way” signs. b) judge distance • Signal and Turn - Get into the c) maintain control of the vehicle as proper lane and signal your turn for you turn into a straight-in parking the last 100 feet. You may use either space hand signals or mechanical signals. • Parking on a Grade - If there is Slow before reaching the crosswalk no hill on your driving test, this and turn into the proper lane. maneuver is simulated when the car • Passing - Always look ahead and is in the straight-in parking space behind to make sure you can pass or when the car is pulled over to the safely. Pass on the left, unless the car side of the road before the turnabout ahead is about to make a left turn maneuver. You will be instructed to or is in the left turn lane on a street show or tell the examiner/agent what with more than one lane in each di- you would do if you were going to rection. Do not pass on the shoulder leave the vehicle parked up or down (side of the road). a hill, with or without a curb. • Stay in Proper Lane - Drive in the • Stop Quickly - Drive at 20 miles right lane except on a one-way street. per hour and make a quick, safe stop Do not change lanes until you may when the examiner/agent instructs do so safely. you. • Follow at a Safe Distance - Do not • Backing -Back for a distance of 50 follow too closely behind other cars. feet at a slow speed. Do not use Keep a minimum following distance the rear-view mirror or rear-view of three to four seconds with an camera when backing. Look to the additional second for any unusual rear instead. weather or traffic conditions. • Obey Stop Signs - Give the proper • Use Proper Posture - Keep both signal if turning, approach in the hands on the steering wheel and do proper lane, come to a complete not rest your elbow in the window. stop before reaching the pedestrian crosswalk*or stop line, and remain 20

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014The examiner/agent will explain any any driving necessary to maintainmistakes you may have made after the livelihood, including driving to andtest is completed. If you disqualify on the from work, necessary on-the-jobdriving test, you will be asked to study driving, driving for educationalor practice before returning for another purposes, and driving for churchtest. You will be asked to return another and for medical purposes.day for additional tests. D Employment Purposes Only means a driving privilege that isIf you pass the examination, the examin- limited to driving to and fromer/agent will collect the fee and issue your work and any necessary on-the-joblicense. If you surrender a valid Florida driving required by an employer orlearner’s license and do not need to make occupation.changes, you are not charged additional E Daylight Driving Only means thefees for the replacement Class E. person can only drive during day- light hours.2.9 - Physical and Mental F Automatic Transmission meansRequirements the person can only drive a vehicle that has automatic transmission.You must list any physical or mental G Power Steering means the personproblems on your license applicationthat might affect your driving. Many of must drive a vehicle with powerthe physical problems can be handled steering.by placing restrictions on your license. I Directional Signals means aIf you have epilepsy, fainting spells, person must drive a vehicledizziness, blackouts or any other med- equipped with mechanical signals.ical condition that could impair your J Grip on Steering Wheel means thedriving, you may be asked to have your vehicle must be equipped with adoctor complete a medical report form. knob or grip on the steering wheel.These forms may be requested through K Hearing Aid means the personyour local driver licenses office and are must wear a hearing aid at all timesmailed directly to you. The report must while driving a CDL vehicle.be completed by your doctor and sub- L Seat Cushion means the personmitted to DHSMV before a license is is- must use a seat cushion at all timessued. If you are diabetic and use insulin, while driving.you may request that “Insulin Depen- M Hand Controls or Pedaldent” is indicated on your license. Extension means the vehicle must be equipped with hand controls or a pedal extension.2.10 - Restriction and N Left Foot Accelerator means theEndorsement Codes onFlorida Licenses vehicle must be equipped with a left foot accelerator.2.10.1 - Restriction Codes P Probation-Interlock DeviceA Corrective Lenses means a person means the vehicle must be must wear corrective lenses at all equipped with a device that locks times when operating a vehicle. the ignition.B Outside Rearview Mirror (Left S Other Restrictions means there Side) means the vehicle the person are other restrictions imposed on is driving must have a left outside this license. rearview mirror on the car. X Medical Alert Bracelet means theC Business Purposes Only means a person wears a medical alert bracelet. driving privilege that is limited to 21

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 20142.10.2 - Restriction Codes those who have passed the requiredAppearing on Commercial written tests and who will driveDriver Licenses Only double or triple tractor trailer vehicles.1. Vehicles W/O Air Brakes - issued S School Bus - issued to those who to those who have not passed the required written and/or skills tests have passed the required written for the operation of vehicles with and skills tests and who will drive a air brakes. school bus. X Placarded Hazmat & Tank Vehicles2. CDL-Intrastate Only (CMV) - - issued to those who qualify for issued to those who are authorized endorsements H and N. to operate commercial motor vehi- cles inside Florida only.3. Bus Only (CMV) - issued to 2.11 - Selective Servicepersons who are only authorized to State law requires any male that is a U.S.operate a commercial vehicle that citizen or immigrant who is at least 18is a bus. years old but less than 26 years old, to4. CMV<26,001 LBS Gross Vehicle comply with Federal Selective Service Weight Rating System requirements when applying to5. No Tractor/Trailers receive a driver’s license, a learner’s driv-6. No Class A Passenger Vehicles er’s license, a commercial driver’s license,7. No Class B Passenger Vehicles an identification card, or a renewal orV. CDL Medical Variance replacement card or license. Any driver license or identification card applicantNOTE: Drivers with a restriction on their consents to the Federal Selective Servicelicense who do not comply with the re- System requirements.quirements of the restriction can be is-sued a citation for violation of restriction 2.12 - Sexual Offenders andand could be suspended. Offenses of this Sexual Predatorstype are a second degree misdemeanor,except for violations of restriction code Within 48 hours after completing theX. required initial registration as a sexual predator or sexual offender in Florida, all sexual predators and sexual offenders2.10.3 - Endorsement Codes who are not incarcerated, including sexu-These endorsements are placed on Class al predators and sexual offenders who areA, B, or C commercial driver licenses. under the supervision of the Florida De- partment of Corrections, shall register inH Placarded Hazmat - issued to person at a driver license office of the De- those who have passed the required partment of Highway Safety and Motor written tests and who will transport Vehicles or Tax Collector licensing agent. If otherwise qualified, such person shall placarded hazardous materials. secure a Florida driver license or identi-N Tank Vehicles - issued to those fication card. who have passed the required writ- ten tests and who will drive tank vehicles.P Passengers - issued to those who The sexual predator or sexual offender must identify him or herself as such and have passed the required written provide his or her place of permanent and skills tests and who will drive or temporary residence. Post office box passenger vehicles. numbers may not be used in place of aT Double/Triple Trailers -issued to physical residential address. 22

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014Each time a sexual predator’s driver li- after any change of the career offender’scense or identification card is subject to residence or change in the career offend-renewal and within 48 hours after any er’s name by reason of marriage or otherchange of the predator’s or offender’s legal process, the career offender shallresidence or change in the predator’s or report in person to a driver license officeoffender’s name by reason of marriage or or Tax Collector licensing agent. If oth-other legal process, the predator or of- erwise qualified, such person shall securefender shall report in person to a driver a Florida driver license or identificationlicenses office or Tax Collector licensing card. The career offender must identifyagent. If otherwise qualified, such per- him or herself as such and provide hisson shall secure a Florida driver license or her place of permanent or temporaryor identification card. residence. Post office box numbers mayFor more information about registra- not be used in place of a physical residenttion and notification requirements, you address.may contact your local sheriff ’s office,your supervising officer with Probation For more information about registration& Parole or the Florida Department of and notification requirements, you mayLaw Enforcement at 1-888-FL-PRED- contact your local sheriff ’s office, yourATOR (1-888-357-7332), Sexual Of- supervising officer with Probation & Pa-fender/Predator Unit, Post Office Box role or the Florida Department of Law1489, Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1489; Enforcement at 1-888-357-7332, Careerwww.fdle.state.fl.us. Offender Unit, Florida Department of Law Enforcement at 1-888-FL-PRED-2.13 - Career Offender ATOR (1-888-357-7332), Sexual Of-As of January 1, 2003: Career offenders fender/Predator Unit, Post Office Boxare certain persons who are designated 1489, Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1489;as habitual violent felony offenders, vio- www.fdle.state.fl.us.lent career criminals, or three-time vio-lent felony offenders, s. 775.26, 944.608, 2.14 - Voluntary Contributions944.609. When you are applying for a driver li-Within two working days after complet- cense or identification card you may vol-ing the required registration as a career untarily contribute to the following spe-offender in Florida, all career offend- cial trust funds:ers who are not incarcerated, including ACG Traffic Safety Foundation-career offenders who are under the su- Minimum contribution: $1pervision of the Florida Department of Autism Services and Supports -Corrections, shall register in person at a Minimum contribution: $1driver license office of the Department Children’s Hearing Help Fund -of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or Minimum contribution: $1Tax Collector licensing agent. If other- Disabled American Veterans -wise qualified, such person shall secure Minimum contribution: $1a Florida driver license or identification Family First -card. Minimum contribution: $1Each time a career offender’s driver li- Florida Council of the Blind -cense or identification card is subject to Minimum contribution: $1renewal and within two working days 23

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 Hazardous Materials Endorsement Ap-Health Care Trust Fund - plication and Background CheckMinimum contribution: $1 ................................................................ $91Hearing Research Institute Motorcycle endorsement ......................$7Incorporated Identification Card (original) ........... $25Minimum contribution: $2 Identification Card (replacement orJuvenile Diabetes Foundation renewal)................................................. $25International - Stolen identification card-if police reportMinimum contribution: $1 filed ................................................... No feeLeague Against Cancer/La Liga Contra Delinquent fee for renewals after expira-el Cancer - tion date................................................. $15Minimum contribution: $1 Written Re-exams ............................... $10Prevent Blindness Florida - Driving Re-exams ............................... $20Minimum contribution: $1 Veteran Designation ..............................$1Prevent Child Sexual Abuse - Tax Collector Service Fee (for servicesMinimum contribution: $1 provided at a Tax Collector offices)Ronald McDonald House - ............................................................$ 6.25Minimum contribution: $1 Service FeesSenior Vision Services - Administrative Fee Alcohol & Drug-Re-Minimum contribution: $1 lated Offenses .................................... $130State Homes for Veterans Trust Fund - (In addition to any other required fees)Minimum contribution: $1 After a license has been revoked ...... $75Stop Heart Disease - After a license has been suspended ... $45Minimum contribution: $1 After a license has been disqualified ... $75Support Our Troops - Worthless checks ................................. $55Minimum contribution: $1 Suspension for Failure to Pay or AppearThe ARC of Florida - for a Traffic Citation, Failure to PayMinimum contribution: $1 Child support, Failure to Pay Court Financial Obligations.......................... $602.14 - Fees Insurance Suspension Fees Failure to maintain PIP insurance:Fees for License (1st suspension) ................................ $150Initial license fee for first Florida license (2nd suspension) ............................... $250................................................................ $48 (3rd suspension) ............................... $500Learners driver license (Original) .... $48 Failure to maintain liability insuranceClass E renewal .................................... $48 ................................................................ $15Learners license renewal .................... $48 (1st suspension – resulting from a DUICommercial Driver License .............. $75 conv.).................................................... $150Stolen license-if police report filed (2nd suspension – resulting from a DUI........................................................... No fee conv.).................................................... $250Replacement license ........................... $25 (3rd suspension – resulting from a DUI conv.).................................................... $500Other Fees Note: If you are suspended under bothCommercial Driver License the PIP and the liability law, you will beendorsements …….................................$7 charged both reinstatement fees. 24

Driver Licenses Agents Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014(Tax Collectors)Your local Tax Collector may provide Test Yourfull or limited driver license services. Tax KnowledgeCollectors may assess a $6.25 service fee. 1. Who needs a Florida driver license? (See section 2.2) 2. Who does not need a Florida driver license? (See section 2.3) 3. Can a person temporari- ly operate a farm tractor on the highway without a driver license? (See section 2.3) 4. List two documents that can be used as proof of social securi- ty number. (See section 2.5) 5. List two documents that can be used as proof of residential address. (See section 2.5) 6. At what age are persons no longer required to have parental consent to obtain a Florida driv- er license? (See section 2.6) 7. What driving course is required for a person that has never been licensed? (See section 2.7) 8. What maneuvers are required on a driving test? (See section 2.7.4) 9. What examinations are required to obtain a Florida Learner’s License? (See section 2.7.2) 10. Can telescopic lenses be used to pass the vision test? (See section 2.7.3) 25

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 Over 22,000 teen drivers were involved in crashes last year in Florida… 41were killed. Spread the word! Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. 26

IOLSdeibcectentaintoiinsfneiicn3/agtYioonurCard Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 social security number and proof ofThis Section Covers residential address.• 3.1: Learner’s Driver License• 3.2: Class E License • Must be in compliance with school• 3.3: License Renewal attendance, if under 18.• 3.4: License Replacement• 3.5: Motoricycle Only License • Provide two documents with their• 3.6: Motorcycle Also License proof of address. See section 2.5.• 3.7: Identification Cards• 3.7: Change of Address 3.1.1 - Parental Monitoring• 3.9: Name Changes Parents can monitor their minor child’s• 3.10:Veterans driving using our Parental Access of Mi- nor Driving History and Driver License and ID Card Tracking System. These re- sources can be accessed on our web site at http://services.flhsmv.gov/DLCheck/. 3.2 - Class E License3.1 - Learner’s Driver License 3.2.1 – Original IssuanceA person who holds a Learner’s license Requirementsmust be accompanied by a licenseddriver, 21 years of age or older, who oc- • Be at least 16 years old.cupies the front passenger seat closest to • Pass vision and Class E Knowledgethe right of the driver. Drivers can onlydrive during daylight hours the first three tests.months from the original issue date and • Have the signature of one parent (ormust be accompanied by a person 21years of age or older, holding a valid driv- guardian) on the parent consenter license, occupying the front passenger form, if under age 18.seat. • Completion of Traffic Law andAfter the first three months, drivers may Substance Abuse Education Course.operate a vehicle from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. See sections 2.7 and 9.1with a person 21 years of age or older, • Primary Identification. See sectionholding a valid driver license, occupying 2.5. (If your name has changed youthe front passenger seat. Drivers with a will need to provide approved docu-Learner’s license are ineligible for a mo- ments establishing your new name.torcycle endorsement. See section 3.9) • Proof of Social Security Number.Requirements See section 2.5. • Be at least 15 years old. • Must be in compliance with school • Pass vision and Class E Knowledge attendance, if under 18. test. • Provide two documents with their • Have the signature of one parent proof of address. See section 2.5. (or guardian) on the parent consent form, if under age 18. 3.2.2 - Learner’s to Class E • Completion of Traffic Law and The following requirements must be met Substance Abuse Education Course. in order to obtain a regular Class E li- See sections 2.7 and 9.1 cense: • Primary identification, proof of • Must hold the learner’s license for 12 months or until the 18th birthday, whichever comes first. • Must have NO moving traffic violation convictions 12 months 27

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 Your license may not be renewed if: from the issue date of the Learner’s • You are not qualified to receive a license. Or license. • You did not answer a summons • May have one moving traffic which involved a traffic violation. violation conviction within 12 • Your driver license is suspended, months from the issue date of the revoked or cancelled. learner’s license, if adjudication is • You do not present the required withheld. documentation. • A parent, legal guardian or 3.3.1 – Renewal Issuance Requirements responsible adult 21 years of age or • Present your old driver license. older, must certify that the driver • Pass a vision test. has had at least 50 hours of driving • If you have changed your address, experience, of which 10 hours must you will need to provide two ap- be at night. proved proof of address documents with your new address. See section • Pass a driving test. 2.5 and section 3.8. • If your name has changed, you will3.2.3 - Reciprocating need to provide approved docu-The Class E Knowledge and driving ments establishing your new name.(skills) exams are reciprocated if you See section 3.9.present a driver license from any of thefollowing: Primary identification, proof of social security number and two proofs of resi- • United States dential address are required if you have • United States Territories, not been issued a Florida driver license or identification card in a field office Possessions (including Panama Ca- since January 1, 2010. See section 2 for nal Zone if issued prior to January identification requirements, acceptable 1, 2000) proof of social security and acceptable • Canada * proof of residential address. Non-im- • France migrants may have additional require- • Germany (reciprocate the skill ments. See Non-Immigrant section 3.10. exam only) • Republic of Korea (South Korea) • Taiwan (reciprocate the skill exam only) • United States Military* Reciprocation Options for Canadians 3.3.2 - Renewal OptionsCanadian customers can reciprocate ex- If you are a U.S. citizen or immigrant, youamination requirements by surrendering can avoid the lines and renew your driv-their Canadian driver license. er license by mail or via the internet onIf the Canadian driver license is not GoRenew.com.surrendered, applicable examinations arerequired. • The mail and internet convenience method can be used for non-com-3.3 - License Renewal mercial driver licenses. You are notDriver licenses are valid for six to eight eligible for renewal using a con-years. Expiration dates may vary for venience method if;Your previouslicense renewals issued to non-immi- renewal was by phone, mail orgrants. internet. • You hold a commercial driver license. 28

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014• You are not a U.S. citizen or tor for follow-up, prior to being able to permanent resident. renew. 3.3.3 - Military Renewal by Mail or• Your driving privilege is suspended, Online revoked or canceled and you want an ID card.Mail Members of the U.S. Armed Forces serv-You may receive a mail-in renewal packet ing on active duty outside of Florida mayapproximately 30 days prior to your li- renew their license by mail or online atcense expiration. There are no additional www.GoRenew.com. Their spouses andfees for renewing by mail. children living with them may do the same. If your name changes while you are deployed or out of state, contact DHSMVInternet at [email protected] or callYou can renew by internet at 850 617-2000. Provide your name as itwww.GoRenew.com. appears on your license, the driver licenseAfter your request is processed, you will number, your date of birth and out-of-receive a six or eight year license. Flori- state address and zip code. DHSMV willda law requires that you destroy your old send you the appropriate renewal packetdriver license after receiving the new li- by return mail or email.cense. Application for renewal received 3.4 - License Replacementafter the license expiration date requires If your driver license or identificationa $15 late fee. card is lost or stolen, apply for a replace-All drivers who are 80 years of age or old- ment immediately. A replacement can beer and who are in the process of renewing obtained in a field issuance office or usingtheir driver license are required to pass a a convenience method on our website atvision test. The test may be administered www.GoRenew.com. The replacement li-at the driver license office at no addi- cense fee is $25.00.tional charge or by your Florida licensedhealth care practitioner, such as your If the card was stolen and you providemedical doctor, osteopath or optome- a copy of the police report, the replace-trist. A vision examination report must ment fee is waived as long as you are notbe completed and submitted to DHSMV making any changes to the card. Whenif your vision test is administered by your changes are made to the card, the $25.00doctor. For your convenience, you can replacement fee is charged.ask your health care practitioner to filethe form electronically on the web www. 3.4.1 – Replacement Issuanceflhsmv.gov/ddl/vision. Subsequent to it Requirementsbeing filed electronically, you will then beable to renew via the internet, or mail. • If you have changed your address, you will need to provide two ap- proved proof of address documentsShould you elect to have your vision test- with your new address. See sectioned at the local driver license office or Tax 2.5 and section 3.8.Collector licensing agent, please schedule • If your name has changed you willan appointment so that we can serve you need to provide approved docu-more efficiently. Upon passing the vision ments establishing your new name.screening, you can complete the renewal See section 3.9.process. However, if a problem is detect-ed, you will be referred to your eye doc- 29

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014Primary identification, proof of social or meet the requirements for a Classsecurity number and two proofs of res- E license.idential address are required if you have • Must complete a motorcycle safetynot been issued a Florida driver license course, Basic Rider Course (BRC)or identification card in a field office Orsince January 1, 2010. See section 2 for • Provide an out-of-state license withidentification requirements, acceptable a motorcycle endorsement (exceptproof of social security and acceptable Alabama).proof of residential address. Non-im-migrants may have additional require- 3.7 - Identification Cardsments. See Non-Immigrant section 3.10. If you need an identification card, you can apply at any driver license or TaxAny non-immigrant holding a driver li- Collector licensing agent office. Personscense or identification card who needs a holding a driver license who wish to ob-renewal or replacement driver license or tain a Florida identification card mustidentification card must apply in person. surrender their driver license. SectionSee section 3.10. 322.08(6), F.S. prohibits a person from3.5 - Motorcycle Only License holding both a driver license and an iden- tification card. To obtain an identificationUnder 18 card, you must:• Must hold a Learner’s License at 1. Be five (5) years of age or older. Anyleast 12 months or until the 18th person, regardless of age, can be is-birthday prior to the issuance of a sued an identification card if apply-Class E Motorcycle Only license. ing for a disabled parking permit.• Must have NO moving traffic 2. Present required identification.violation convictions 12 months **See section 2 for a list of accept-from the issue date of the learner’s able primary identification.license. (If your name has changed you will• Must provide completion of an need to provide approved docu-approved motorcycle safety course. ments establishing your new name.A list of approved motorcycle safety See section 3.9)course providers can be found on 3. Provide proof of your Socialour web page http://motorcycles. Security number (unless one hashsmv.state.fl.us/sponsorsearch.cfm never been issued). See section 2 for acceptable proof of social securityOver 18 number.• Pass the vision, Class E Knowledge 4. Provide proof of residential address.examinations or hold a current (Two documents will be required)Learner’s License. See section 2 for acceptable proof of• Must provide completion of an residential address.approved motorcycle safety course.Or The card will contain your color pho-• Provide an out-of-state motorcycle tograph, full name, sex, address, date ofonly license (except Alabama). birth, and other data DHSMV may re- quire. Identification cards issued to per-3.6 - Motorcycle Also License sons 5 to 14 years of age will be valid for four years; all others will be valid for eightAll persons requesting a motorcycle en- years.dorsement:• Must hold a Class E license or higher 30

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014Any non-immigrant holding a driver li- driver license or identification card.cense or identification card who needs a If you fail to report a change of addressrenewal or replacement driver license or you may not receive your motor vehicleidentification card must apply in person. registration renewal or your drivers li-See section 3.10. cense renewal.NOTE: Expiration dates may vary for If you are pulled over by law enforcementidentification cards issued to Non-Immi- and the address on your driver license isgrants. incorrect, you may receive a citation.3.7.1 – Identification Cards for 3.9 – Name ChangesHomeless PersonsPersons that can provide a letter from a If your name has changed and you wouldlocal homeless shelter verifying the cus- like your name to appear on the Floridatomer is homeless may be issued an iden- driver license or identification card dif-tification card at no cost, providing they ferently than it appears on your primarymeet the identification card issuance re- identification, you will need:quirements listed in section 3.7. • To present original or certified copy of a government issued marriage3.8 - Change of Address certificate, divorce decree, or court order as a name change docu-You must obtain a new license within 10 ment(s).days of any change to your mailing or • Have your name changed on yourresidential address. You may change the social security card.address on your driver license or identi-fication card by: In addition:1. Mail: be sure to include your Immigrants and Non-Immigrants:complete name, new address, • You must have your name changeddriver license number, and date of on your United States Citizenshipbirth. Mail to Division of Motorist and Immigration Services docu-Services, Post Office Box 5775, ments before you can change yourTallahassee, Florida 32314-5775. name on your Florida driver licenseInclude a $25 check or money order or identification card.payable to DHSMV. You will receive Canadian Citizens:the appropriate corrections by mail. • You must have your name changedPlease allow 30 days for processing. on your Canadian passport before2. Visiting your local Motorist Services applying for a name change on youroffice or Tax Collector licensing driver license or identification card.agent. There is a $25 license fee.3. Internet at: www.gorenew.com. 3.10- Non-ImmigrantsThere is a $25 license fee. • Any non-immigrant holding a driver4. After your request is processed, license or identification card whoyou will receive a new license. Flor- needs a renewal or replacement driv-ida law requires that you destroy er license or identification card mustyour old driver license after receiv- apply in person at a driver licenseing the new license. office or Tax Collector licensing agent and present identification andNon-immigrants will need to go to a legal presence documents.driver license office or Tax Collector li- • If you do not have the requiredcensing agent to change the address on a documents showing legal presence, 31

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 rendered and there are no other license your driver license or identification transactions or changes. The replacement card will be retained and a receipt driver license or identification card fee is issued for the driver license or waived; however, the Tax Collector ser- identification card transaction. If vice fees would apply if the transaction is your Florida driver license has not completed in a Tax Collector office. expired, you will be issued a 60-day When other license transactions are be- temporary permit. When you return ing completed at the same time the vet- with the required documentation, eran designation may be added, a $1.00 you will be processed for a renewal fee is charged for the veteran designation or replacement license and the ex- along with the other transaction fees. piration date will be changed to the The Tax Collector service fee would ap- expiration date on your Citizenship ply if the transaction is completed in a and Immigration Services docu- Tax Collector office. ment up to one year. 3.11.2 - Exempt Fees for 100% • Proof of social security number (if Disabled U.S. Veterans one has been issued) and two proofs Any veteran honorably discharged from of residential address are required. the Armed Forces who was issued a val- id identification card by the Department3.11 - Veterans of Veteran’s Affairs, or a letter of disabil-3.11.1 - Veteran Designation on ity determination from the Veterans Ad-License or Identification Card ministration and has been determinedAny honorably discharged U.S veter- by the Veteran’s Administration to havean may have a veteran designation “V” a 100% service-connected disability, isplaced on his or her driver license. The exempt from paying certain driver li-veteran will need to provide a copy of cense fees such as initial license fees andtheir DD214 or other approved dis- renewal fees. All identification card feescharge document at the time of issuance. are exempt.The veteran designation may be addedfor $2.00 as long as the current driv-er license or identification card is sur- 32

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014Test Your Knowledge1. What is the minimum age to 6. What is the minimum age that aobtain a Florida Learner’s person can be issued a Florida iden-License? (See section 3.1) tification card? (See section 3.7)2. What is the minimum age to 7. What is the issuance period of aobtain a Florida Class E Florida identification card issued to aLicense? (See section 3.2) person age 5-14? (See section 3.7)3. If you failed to answer a traffic 8. You must obtain a new licensesummons, would you be able to showing the new address within howrenew your license? (See section 3.3) many days of moving? (See section4. If you lose your Florida driver 3.4.2)license and need a replacement 9. What document(s) are required tolicense, where do you apply for it? change your name on your Florida(See section 3.4) driver license or identification card?5. What is required to add a motor- (See section 3.9)cycle endorsement to your Florida 10. How do honorably dischargeddriver license? (See sections 3.5 & veterans get a Veteran Designation3.6) “V” added to their driver license or identification card? (See section 3.11) 33

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 34

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014DSercivtiionng 4Privilege • Allow your license to be used for a purpose that is against the law.This Section Covers• 4.1: Driving a Motor Vehicle in • Are convicted in a traffic court and the court orders that your license be Florida is a Privilege you Earn suspended.• 4.2: Point System• 4.3: Red Light Camera/ • Refuse to take a test to show if you are driving while under the influence Infractions of alcohol or drugs.• 4.4: Mandatory Restriction for • Misuse a restricted license. Minors • Earn a certain number of points for• 4.5: Zero Tolerance• 4.6: Driving While Under the traffic offenses on the point system. • Break a traffic law and fail to pay Influence• 4.7: Emotions your fine or appear in court as• 4.8: Other Serious Violations of directed. • Fail to pay child support. the License Law • Fail to carry insurance on your• 4.9: Administrative Hearings vehicle.• 4.10: Florida Motor Vehicle • Fail to stop for a school bus. • Use tobacco if you are under age. Laws • Commit retail theft.• 4.11:Traffic Crashes • Education Non-Compliance• 4.12: Littering (School Dropout).• 4.13: Road Damage4.1 - Driving a Motor Vehicle in Your license must be REVOKED if youFlorida is a Privilege You Earn are found guilty of, or department re- cords show:You cannot obtain a license in Florida • Driving while under the influenceunder the following conditions: of alcohol, drugs or other controlled• If your license is suspended or substances.revoked in any state; • A felony in which a motor vehicle is• If you are addicted to drugs or used.alcohol; • Not stopping to give help when the• If you cannot drive safely because of vehicle you are driving is involvedmental or physical problems; (Deaf- in a crash causing death or personalness alone will not prevent a person injury.from being issued a driver license.) • Lying about the ownership or• If you are under the legal age for operation of motor vehicles.licensing (15 for Learner’s license, • Three cases of reckless driving16 for Class E). within one year. Forfeiting bail and not going to court to avoid beingEvery driver who obtains a license must convicted of reckless driving countsdrive safely to keep it. If you break the the same as a conviction.traffic laws or become an unsafe driver, • An immoral act in which a motoryour license can be taken away. It can be vehicle was used.suspended, revoked, or canceled. • Three major offenses or 15 offenses for which you receive points within aYour license can be SUSPENDED if you: 5-year period.• Make a fraudulent driver license • A felony for drug possession.application. • Vision worse than the standard minimum requirements. 35

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014• Racing on the highway. A court Open container as an operator............... 3 may also order that your license Child restraint violation........................... 3 be revoked for certain other traffic Note: offenses. • The fine for exceeding the speed limitYour license can be CANCELLED if: by more than 50 mph is $1,000 for • Your license was issued in error. the first offense and $2,500 for the • You giving false information or second. identification. • You failed to complete a required • Fines are doubled when infractions school. Section 322.0261 and occur within a school zone or con- 322.091 Florida Statutes struction zone, with possible civil penalties up to $1,000 and can be4.2 - Point System required to complete driving school course.Violation Points Assessed • The driver receives the same numberTexting while Driving of points listed if the conviction oc-No penalty on first offense, subsequent curs out-of-state or in a federal court.offense penalties as follows: Length of Suspension• Two points are added to the primary 12 points within a 12-month period offense if texting occurred in a .......................................................... 30 days school zone......................................... 3 18 points within a 18-month period .......................................................3 months• Six points are added if the texting 24 points within a 36-month period offense resulted in a crash. ............... 3 ............................................................ 1-yearUnlawful speed – 15 MPH or less over In computing points and suspensions,lawful or posted speed............................. 3 the offense dates of all convictions are used. Three points will be deducted fromUnlawful speed – 16 MPH or more over the driver record of any person whoselawful or posted speed............................. 4 driving privilege has been suspended only once under the point system and hasUnlawful speed resulting in a crash....... 6 been reinstated, if such person has com- plied with all other requirements.Leaving the scene of a crash resulting inproperty damage of more than $50....... 6Reckless Driving....................................... 4Any moving violation resulting in a NOTE: A point suspension does not pro-crash............................................................ 4 hibit these convictions from being usedPassing a stopped school bus.................. 4 to accumulate additional suspensions orDriving during restricted hours............. 3 revocations.Violation of traffic control signal/sign/ 4.3 - Red Light Cameras/device (red lights) (if camera-enforced, Infractionsno points will be assessed)....................... 4 Local and state governments are autho-All other moving violations (including rized to use traffic infraction detectorsparking on a highway outside the limits to enforce red light violations. It includesor municipalities)...................................... 3 the use of traffic infraction enforcement officers, the mailing of an initial notice ofViolation of curfew................................... 3 violation within 30 days of the offense and 36 mailing a traffic citation within 60 days if

payment has not been received. The red Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014light violation does not result in points 4.6 – Driving While Under thebeing placed on the driver’s record. Influence You can be charged with DUI if you are4.4 - Mandatory Restriction for found to be driving or in actual physicalMinors control of a motor vehicle while under theAny driver under the age of 18 who ac- influence of alcoholic beverages or con-cumulates six or more points within a 12 trolled substances. Controlled substancesmonth period is automatically restrict- include: prescription drugs, depressants,ed for one year to driving for “Business stimulants, narcotics, hallucinogens andPurposes ONLY”. If additional points model glue or other inhalants.are accumulated the restriction is ex-tended for 90 days for every additional At the time of arrest, you will be admin-point received. istratively suspended if you have a breath or blood alcohol level of .08 or above or4.4.1 - Time Restrictions refuse to submit to a chemical testA licensed driver (Class E or higher)who is under the age of 17 may not op- 4.6.1 - Penalties for DUIerate a motor vehicle between 11:00 p.m. (Including previous DWI and DUBALand 6:00 a.m., unless accompanied by convictions)a driver who is 21 years of age or older First DUI Convictionand holds a valid driver license (Class E Fineor higher), or the operator is driving toor from work. A licensed driver (Class $500-$1,000, with BAL .15 or higherE or higher) who is 17 years of age may or minor in the vehicle, not less thannot operate a motor vehicle between 1:00 1,000 or more than $2,000a.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless accompanied Community Serviceby a driver who is 21 years of age or older 50 hoursand holds a valid driver license (Class E Probationor higher), or the operator is driving to Not more than 1 yearand from work. Imprisonment Not more than 6 months; with BAL4.5 - Zero Tolerance .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle,Any driver under 21 years of age who not more than 9 monthsis stopped by law enforcement and has License Revocationa breath or blood alcohol level of .02 or Minimum 180 dayshigher will automatically have their driv- DUI Schooling privilege suspended for 6 months. 12 hours DUI School RequirementAny driver under 21 with a breath or Evaluation conducted to determineblood alcohol level of .05 or higher is need for treatmentrequired to attend a substance abuse Ignition Interlock Devicecourse. An evaluation will be complet- Up to 6 continuous monthsed and parents or legal guardians will benotified of the results for all drivers un- Second DUI Offense/Convictionder the age of 19. Fine $1,000-$2000, with BAL .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle, not less than $2000 or more than $4000 Imprisonment Not more than 9 months; 2nd con- 37

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 viction within 5 years, 10 days in jail, er than if you did not drink any alcohol. 48 hours of confinement must be No one can drink alcohol and drive safe- consecutive ly, even if you have been driving for manyLicense Revocation years. Young drivers are more affected by Minimum 180 days; 2nd offense with- alcohol because their bodies are still in in 5 years after first conviction; 5 year the growth process and their livers have revocation not developed to the extent that they canDUI School efficiently process the alcohol in their 21 hours DUI School Requirement blood stream. Evaluation conducted to determine Because drinking alcohol and then driv- need for treatment ing is so dangerous, the penalties are veryIgnition Interlock Device tough. People who drive after drinking Minimum of one continuous year risk heavy fines, higher insurance rates, loss of license and even jail sentences. AThird DUI Offense/Conviction DUI conviction will remain on your driv-Fine ing record for 75 years. $2,000-$5,000, with BAL .15 or higher 4.6.3 - The Dangers of Drinking or minor in the vehicle, not less than and Driving $4,000 Alcohol reduces all of the important skillsImprisonment necessary to drive safely, such as judg- Not more than 12 months; 3rd con- ment, reaction, vision and concentra- viction within 10 years, mandatory 30 tion. Alcohol is absorbed into the lining days in jail; 48 hours must be consec- of the stomach and then passes directly utive into the bloodstream and reaches yourLicense Revocation brain within minutes after consumption. Minimum 180 days; 3rd offense with- Alcohol affects those areas of your brain in 10 years after second conviction; 10 that control judgment and skill and is one year revocation reason why drinking alcohol is so dan-DUI School gerous; it affects your judgment. A per- 21 hours DUI School Requirement son’s judgment is the first thing affected Evaluation conducted to determine after drinking an alcoholic beverage. need for treatment Good judgment is important to drivingIgnition Interlock Device but in this case, judgment helps you to Minimum of two continuous years know when to stop drinking. Alcohol puts good judgment on hold. You do notFourth or More DUI Conviction know when you have had too much toFine drink until it is too late. It is a little like a sunburn, by the time you feel it, it is al- Not less than $1000 ready too late.Imprisonment Alcohol slows your reflexes and reaction time, reduces your ability to see clearly Not more than 5 years and makes you less alert. As the amountLicense Revocation of alcohol in your body increases, your judgment worsens and your skills de- Permanent revocation crease. You will have trouble judgingDUI School distances, speeds and the movement ofIgnition Interlock Device Five years4.6.2 - Drinking and DrivingIf you drink alcohol, even a little, yourchances of being in a crash is much great- 38

other vehicles. You will also have trouble Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014controlling your vehicle. If You Drink, to drive safely. These drugs can have ef-Do Not Drive! The best advice is, if you fects like those of alcohol, or even worse.drink alcohol, do not drive. Even one This is true of many prescription drugsdrink of alcohol can affect your driving. and even many of the drugs you can buyWith two or more drinks in your blood- without a prescription. Drugs taken forstream you are impaired and could be headaches, colds, hay fever or other al-arrested. lergies or those to calm nerves can makeIt takes about an hour for your body to a person drowsy and affect their driving.get rid of each drink. Time is the only Pep pills, “uppers” and diet pills can causething that will sober you up. a person to be nervous, dizzy, and unableThere are ways of dealing with social sit- to concentrate and can affect his or heruations. Arrange to go with two or more vision. Other prescription drugs can af-persons and agree which one of you will fect your reflexes, judgment, vision andnot drink alcohol. You can rotate among alertness in ways similar to alcohol.the group being a “designated driver.”You can use public transportation or a If you are driving, check the label beforetaxi, if available. you take a drug for warnings about its ef- fects. If you are not sure it is safe to take the drug and drive, ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects.4.6.4 - Implied Consent Law Never drink alcohol while you are takingYou will be asked to take a blood test, a other drugs. These drugs could multiplyurine test, or a breath test if an officer the effects of alcohol or have addition-thinks that you are under the influence al effects of their own. These effects notof alcohol or drugs while driving. By only reduce your ability to be a safe driverlaw, if you drive in Florida, you have but could cause serious health problems,agreed by signing your driver license to even death.take these tests if asked. If you refuse totake the tests when asked, your license Illegal and some legal drugs may affectwill automatically be suspended for one your ability to be a safe driver.year. A second refusal will result in an18 month suspension and a first degree 4.7 - Other Serious Violations ofmisdemeanor. the License Law You can be put in jail or required to pay aIn DUI cases involving death or serious fine for the following offenses:injury, you will be required to take theblood test without your consent. The • Changing your license in any way.blood must be drawn by a doctor, nurse Any changes must be made byor other health professional. If you are DHSMV.unconscious and cannot refuse the bloodtest, blood may be drawn. The results of • Unlawful use of your license,the test may be used as evidence, even if including allowing your license to beyou object after becoming conscious. used by another person.4.6.5 - Other Drugs and Driving • Making a fraudulent application forBesides alcohol, there are many other a driver license or identification card.drugs that can affect a person’s ability • Having more than one credential (U.S. driver license or identification card). • Allowing an unlicensed person to use your car, or renting a motor ve- 39

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 Responsibility Law and the No-Fault law. hicle to someone without a license. It is important that you understand these laws because if you do not have the prop- • Giving false statements to an officer er insurance, you can lose your driver li- or in a courtroom. cense and license plate(s) and have to pay large fees to get them back. • Knowingly giving false information in crash reports. • Failing to make crash reports.4.8 - Administrative Hearings 4.9.1 - The Financial ResponsibilityIf your driving privilege is suspended or Lawrevoked you may be eligible to apply for The Financial Responsibility Law re-a hardship license or reinstatement. For quires owners and operators of motoreligibility information, contact the local vehicles to be financially responsible forBureau of Administrative Reviews of- damages and/or injuries they may causefice, driver license office, Tax Collector to others when a motor vehicle crashlicensing agent, or the Customer Service happens.Center. This law requires any person to haveIf you are administratively suspended for bodily injury liability insurance at thea breath or blood alcohol level of .08 or time of the following:above or refuse to submit to a chemicaltest and wish to appeal this suspension, 1. A citation for DUI, which results inyou must apply for a formal or informal a revocation.review hearing at the appropriate Divi- These cases require the followingsion of Motorist Services or Bureau of minimum insurance coverage:Administrative Reviews office within 10 • $100,000 Bodily Injury Liabilitydays of your date of arrest. This suspen- (BIL) (to one person).sion is in addition to any penalties direct- • $300,000 Bodily Injury Liability toed by the court. Hearing filing fees up to two or more persons.$25 may apply. • $50,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL)First time offenders have an addition- If you do not have the requiredal option besides requesting a review of insurance to comply with the Finan-their license suspension. A first time cial Responsibility Law, your driverDUI offender who has never had prior license and/or license plates willDUI related offenses, may be eligible to be suspended for up to three years.request a review of eligibility for a re- You will have to pay a reinstatementstricted driver license. By accepting a fee and show DHSMV certifiedrestricted driver license, the driver agrees proof of full liability insurance onto waive the right to a review of the sus- Form FR-44 for three years from thepension under s. 322.2615 F.S. To elect original suspension date to get yourthis option, the driver must appear at a driving privilege back.Bureau of Administrative Review office 2. A suspension for excessive points(BAR) within 10 days of the DUI arrest, against your driver license.and request the waiver review option and 3. A crash where you are at fault andpay a non-refundable fee of $25. injuries have occurred. 4. A revocation for Habitual Traffic4.9 - Florida Motor Vehicle Offender.Insurance Laws 5. A revocation for any serious offense where this department is requiredIn Florida, there are two motor vehicle to revoke your license.insurance laws. They are the Financial 40

The cases listed above (excluding Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 DUI) must have the following mini- You cannot buy a license plate and reg- mum insurance coverage: istration for a car, or other four-wheel vehicle, without having coverage issued • $10,000 Bodily Injury Liability in Florida. Once you have this insurance, (BIL) (to one person). anytime you renew it, fail to renew it, cancel it, or the insurance company can- • $20,000 Bodily Injury Liability to cels, the insurance company must notify two or more persons. this department. DHSMV will then noti- fy you to provide proof of new coverage. • $10,000 Property Damage If you fail to provide proof of insurance, Liability (PDL), or your driver license and license plate(s) will be suspended for up to three years. • $30,000 Combined single limits.If involved in any of the above violations You must maintain insurance coverage(excluding DUI) and you do not have throughout the vehicle registration pe-insurance to comply with the Financial riod or you must surrender the licenseResponsibility Law, your driver license plate(s) to any driver license or tax col-and/or license plates will be suspended lector office.for up to three years. You will have to If you are cited by a law enforcement of-pay a $15 reinstatement fee and show ficer for not providing proof of insuranceDHSMV certified proof of full liability and pay the civil penalty or are convictedinsurance on Form SR-22 for three years in court, your driving privilege will befrom the original suspension date to get suspended.your driving privilege back. If your driver license and license plate(s)In addition, if you are the driver or the are suspended for not having insuranceowner of a vehicle which is in a crash under the No-Fault Law, you will have tothat is your fault, this department can re- pay $150 and show proof of current in-quire you to pay for the damages before surance to get them back. For a secondyour driving privilege is reinstated. offense within three years, you will payUnder this law, to protect yourself and $250. For a third offense within threeothers, you should have liability insur- years, you will have to pay $500. Also, ifance on any motor vehicle you own or your driver license and plate(s) have beendrive, including motorcycles. under suspension for 30 days or more for a no-fault insurance violation, a police of-4.10.2 - The No-Fault Law ficer can seize your license plate immedi-The Florida No-Fault Law requires own- ately. To prevent an insurance suspensioners of motor vehicles with four or more of your license and avoid reinstatementwheels (excluding taxis and limousines) fees, turn in your license plate to a Flor-that have been in the state for at least ida driver license or Tax Collector office90 consecutive or non-consecutive days prior to canceling your insurance.during the past 365 days to purchase a Effective 10/01/06, all taxicabs are re-policy delivered or issued for delivery in quired to maintain the following insur-this state. The minimum coverage is: ance to register a vehicle in Florida. • $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) • $10,000 of Property Damage Liability (PDL) 41

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 satisfactory evidence of possessing aBodily Injury Liability per person: net unencumbered capital........................................................$125,000 Remember: Automobile insurance is anBodily Injury Liability per occurrence: important part of your driving privilege........................................................$250,000 Protect yourself and others by having andProperty Damage Liability: keeping the proper insurance coverage..........................................................$50,000Or Combined Single Limit Coverage: 4.10 - Traffic Crashes.......................................................$300,000 4.10.1 - Your ResponsibilitiesGeneral Information 1. Call law enforcementYou will be issued a Florida Insurance I.D. If you are in a crash while driving,Card from your insurance company. You you must stop!must have this paper or electronic card Call the local police, the Floridaready to show to any law enforcement of- Highway Patrol, or the countyficer to prove that you have the required Sheriff ’s office. If the crash involvesinsurance. If not, you may receive a ticket a charge of driving under thefor not having proof of insurance. influence (DUI) or results in death, injury, or property damage to theIf your driver license or license plate(s) extent a wrecker must tow a vehicle,are suspended for not obeying either of the officer will fill out a report. If thethese laws, you cannot get a temporary crash is investigated by an officer,license for any reason, not even for work the driver need not make a writtenpurposes only. Any person who makes a report. If property damage appearsfalse statement or commits forgery about to be over $500 and no report istheir motor vehicle insurance can be written by an officer, you must makeguilty of a second degree misdemeanor. a written report of the crash to the Department of Highway Safety andDHSMV will always provide you with an Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Theopportunity to prove insurance coverage officer will provide you with a copyor be heard before being suspended. of the form for your records.How to comply: 2. Remain calm 1. By purchasing a motor vehicle 3. Attain vehicle, witness and driver insurance policy from a company licensed to do business in Florida. information You must be ready to give your 2. By obtaining a Financial name, address, and vehicle registra- Responsibility Certificate from the tion number, as well as show your Bureau of Motorist Compliance driver license to others involved in after posting a satisfactory surety the crash. bond of a company licensed to do 4. Sketch the scene, showing vehicle business in Florida. crash locations. 5. Help the injured. If anyone is hurt, 3. By obtaining a Financial you must get help! Responsibility Certificate from the Bureau of Motorist Compliance by Blocking the Flow of Traffic depositing cash or securities with If you’re involved in a minor crash and DHSMV. your vehicle is blocking the flow of traffic, you must move it. If you cannot move it 4. By obtaining a Self Insurance yourself, you must get help or call a tow Certificate from the Bureau of Motorist Compliance by providing 42

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014truck. This is true anytime your vehicle of the first degree and carries a max-os blocking the flow of traffic whether it imum penalty of 30 years in a statehas been involved in a crash or not. correctional facility and/or a fine of up to $10,000.Traffic Collision Avoidance Course • Leaving the scene of a crashIf you are charged in a crash, you may involving injuries commits a felonyhave to go to court. The officer who of the third degree and carries acomes to the scene of the crash will file maximum penalty of 5 years in acharges against any driver who violated state correctional facility and/or aa traffic law. Anyone who is charged will fine up to $5,000.have a chance to explain to the court what • Leaving the scene involving propertyhappened. The court will then decide damage commits a misdemeanor ofwhat the penalty is. Anyone who is not the second degree and carries a max-charged with violating the law may have imum penalty of 60 days in a countyto come to court as a witness. jail and/or fine of $500.If you are found at fault in a collision where anyone is injured and transported A few hit-and-run facts for Florida:to a medical treatment facility or it is your • Hit-and-run crashes involvingsecond collision in a two-year period, you fatalities increased from 162 in 2011will be required by law to attend a Traffic to 168 in 2012.Collision Avoidance Course. The traffic • The number of hit-and-run crashesschool that conducts this course can be statewide equaled 69,994 in 2012.found in the yellow pages of your local • Three out of every five fatalities intelephone book under driving instruc- 2012 were pedestrians struck in hit-tion. and-run crashes. 4.10.3 - Three Crashes in Three YearsCrash Involving an Unattended Vehicle Law:If, while driving, you hit a vehicle with no Section 322.0261(1)(c) requires that ifone in it or if you damage any object that you were convicted of or pleaded nolobelongs to someone else, you must tell contender to your third traffic offensethe owner. Give the owner your name, that caused a crash within 36 months,address, and tag number in person or in you must complete a department ap-a note that is easily seen. Report the crash proved driver improvement course thatimmediately to the proper law enforce- includes behind-the-wheel training andment agency. an assessment of your driving safety. DHSMV notifies you of this requirement4.10.2 – Hit and Run based on a qualifying third at fault crashFlorida has seen an increase of fatal hit- occurring on or after January 1, 2010.and-run crashes during the last two years. What you must do to avoid driver license cancellation:What does Florida law say? • Complete 12 hours of the 3-in-3 • The driver must immediately Crash Course or an approved Ad- stop and remain at the scene, must vanced Driver Improvement course exchange information and render (ADI). reasonable assistance to any injured • Receive 4-hours of behind-the- persons. wheel training from a Florida • Leaving the scene of a crash licensed commercial driving school involving a death commits a felony 43

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 Littering is a crime. People who throw (CDS). trash on public streets and highways can be fined up to $500 or jailed up to 60 days. • Pass the extended road test with a You can be charged with a first-degree DL examiner or Tax Collector misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000 if licensing agent. dumping more than 15 pounds of trash.Failure to complete these requirements The court may also require you to pick upwithin 90 days will result in a license litter along roadways.cancellation. 4.12 - Road Damage4.11 - Littering It is against the law to damage the roadsDrivers are responsible for any litter- by driving on the rim of a flat tire or bying from their vehicles. Use ashtrays for any other means.cigarettes and litter bags for trash whileriding in motor vehicles. Empty ashtraysand litter bags only into trash cans.Test Your Knowledge1. What would happened to a per- 7. When must you comply with theson that did not stop to give help Financial Responsibility Law (Provewhen the vehicle they are driving is you are insured with bodily inju-involved in a crash causing death or ry liability insurance)? (See sectionpersonal injury? (See section 4.1) 4.9.1)2. How many points are assessed for 8. What type of insurance must youa texting while driving? (See section have on motor vehicles with four or4.2) more wheels? (See section 4.9.2)3. If you receive twelve points with- 9. When a crash results in propertyin twelve months, for how long will damages of any amount, must theyour license be suspended? (See sec- driver notify the Florida Highwaytion 4.2) Patrol, the Sheriff ’s Department, or4. When can you be charged with the city police department?driving under the influence (DUI)? (See section 4.10)(See section 4.6) 10. If you hit a parked car and are5. Both your judgment and vision unable to find the owner, whatare affected after drinking alcohol. should you do? (See section 4.10/1)Which is affected first? (See section 11. After a crash has been investi-4.6.3) gated by an officer, does the driver6. What are the penalties for failing need to send a written report to theto take a blood test, a urine test, or a Department of Highway Safety andbreath test? (See section 4.6.4) Motor Vehicles? (See section 4.10.1) 12. What are the penalties for litter- ing? (See section 4.11) 44

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 Going out? How are yougetting home?Be responsible. Don't Drink and Drive! 45

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 to the sides and behind your vehicle and be alert for unexpected events. Be alertDSercivtiionng 5Safety to what is going on around you and do not take your eyes off the road for moreThis Section Covers: than a few seconds at any one time. Do• 5.1: Distracted Drivers not have objects inside your vehicle that• 5.2: Getting Ready to Drive might interfere with your ability to drive• 5.3: Defensive Driving safely. This might include objects that• 5.4: Driving Safety for Mature obstruct your view of the road or mirrors. Drivers 5.1 - Distracted Drivers• 5.5:When You Back Up Good drivers develop habits that focus• 5.6: Avoiding Rear End their full attention on driving. Some drivers can develop bad habits that can be Collisions very dangerous when driving. Some bad• 5.7: Emotions habits that distract your attention away• 5.8: Basic Driver Improvement from driving are:• 5.9: Safety Belts• 5.10: Protecting Children • Driving when ill, upset or angry.• 5.11: Speed Limits • Driving while eating and drinking.• 5.12: Following Officer’s and • Driving while adjusting the radio or Firemen’s Instructions changing CDs/tapes/digital players.• 5.13: Crossing Intersections • Driving while calling, answering,• 5.14: Right of Way• 5.15: Stop Signs talking or texting on a mobile phone.• 5.16: Open Intersections • Reading while driving.• 5.17: Roundabouts • Driving while drowsy or fatigued.• 5.18: Driveways• 5.19: Emergency Vehicles Note: Florida law prohibits the opera-• 5.20: Making Turns tion of a motor vehicle while texting.• 5.21:Turnabout• 5.22:Turn Signals and 5.2 - Getting Ready to Drive Before you start your engine: Emergency Signals• 5.23:Traffic Lanes • Make sure all windows are clean.• 5.24: Blind Spots • Remove anything that blocks your• 5.25: Passing• 5.26: Minimum Safe Following view of the road. • Adjust the seat so you can reach all Distances• 5.27: Parking controls.• 5.28: Expressway Driving • Adjust the inside and outside• 5.29: Night Driving• 5.30: Animals rearview mirrors. You should not• 5.31: Reduced Visability have to lean forward or backward to• 5.32: Handling Emergencies use them.• 5.33: First Aid • Lock all car doors. • Put on your safety belts. Ask allGood driving is based on practice and passengers to do the same.being alert at the wheel. When driving, • Make sure your car is in park oryou must make sure that nothing inter- neutral gear before starting the en-feres with your ability to see the road, re- gine. Never move your car until youact to situations or operate your vehicle have looked in front, behind and toproperly. You must look down the road, the side for pedestrians and oncom- 46

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014ing traffic. Then, signal and pull into drive safely. Changes in our visual, physi-traffic when safe. cal and mental abilities will affect each of us in different ways. That’s why the Flor-5.3 - Defensive Driving ida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and its partners have cre-Defensive driving means doing all you ated Florida GrandDriver® designed tocan to prevent crashes. As a defensive help prepare drivers to “Get Around Safedriver, you will “give” a little. You will and Sound.” “change your driving to fit the weath-er conditions, the way you feel, and theactions of other drivers, bicyclists and Strength, flexibility and overall wellnesspedestrians. Follow these steps to avoid help contribute to the ability of an oldercrashes: driver to remain a safe driver.1. Look for possible danger. Think Drivers should:about what might happen. If there • Receive regular medical and eyeare children playing by the road, exams to identify physical andplan what you will do if one runs or mental conditions that may affectrides into the street. driving.2. Understand what can be done to • Consult with a doctor aboutprevent a crash. See the defensive exercising to maintain the flexibilitydriving tips which follow and the and strength needed for safe driving.Handling Emergencies section later • Give yourself time to react.in this chapter. • Watch the entire road, from your3. Act in time. Once you have seen a front bumper to twelve secondsdangerous situation, act right away ahead of you (about one block at 30to prevent a crash. Use these defen- miles per hour).sive driving tips if you see that you • Stay at least three seconds behind theare about to be involved in a crash: car in front of you.• It is better to swerve right instead • Anticipate danger. Watch out for theof toward oncoming traffic to other driver’s mistakes.prevent a crash. • Stiff joints make turning your head• Hitting a row of bushes is better to see behind you difficult. Installthan hitting a tree, post or solid large side mirror.object. • Turn your body to see better.• Hitting a vehicle moving in the • As muscles lose strength, turningsame direction as you are is better the steering wheel gets harder. Don’tthan hitting a vehicle head-on. swing wide on turns to compensate.• It is better to drive off the road Get power steering. If you still havethan skid off when avoiding a trouble, get a turning knob.crash. • Tired muscles and sore joints distract• It is better to hit something that you. On long trips, stop to rest everyis not moving instead of a vehicle two hours, and always buckle up.moving toward you. • Lap/shoulder seatbelts provide body support as well as protection from5.4 – Driving Safety for Mature injury.Drivers – Tips to Help You Drive • Regular exercise can prolongSafer….Longer strength and flexibility. Ask your doctor to recommend a safe exerciseMost older drivers are good drivers. But program.as we age, most of us will need to takesteps to ensure that we can continue to 47

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 20145.4.1 - Medicines and Alcohol on your rearview or side mirrors as youDrinking alcohol impairs judgment, cannot see directly behind your vehicle.slows reflexes, distorts decision-making, Back slowly; your vehicle is much harderand hinders coordination. You don’t have to steer while you are backing. Wheneverto be a problem drinker to have alco- possible use a person outside the vehiclehol-related driving problems because al- to help you back up.cohol tolerance decreases with age. If you 5.6 - Avoiding Rear-enddrink, don’t drive. CollisionsBoth prescription and over-the-counter Many crashes happen because one ve-medications have side effects that can af- hicle runs into the back of another one.fect your ability to drive safely. Whenever Here are some things you can do to loweryou take any medication, ask your phar- the risk of someone running into the rearmacist or physician about driving. of your vehicle. • Check your brake lights often to5.4.2 - Get Around Safe & Sound…As make sure they are clean and work-Long As Possible ing properly. • Know what is going on around you.Know the Basic Rules for Safe Driving Use your rearview mirrors. • Always wear corrective lenses as required. • Signal well in advance for turns, • Be rested. Don’t drive when you are stops and lane changes. physically exhausted or sleep de- prived. • Slow down gradually. Avoid any • Don’t wear sunglasses in dim or dark sudden actions. conditions. • Don’t drink and drive. • Drive with the flow of traffic (within • Ask your doctor or pharmacist how the speed limit). Driving too slowly your medications affect driving. can be as dangerous as driving too • Always, always wear a safety belt. fast. • To avoid striking the vehicle in the front of you, keep at least three to four seconds following distance with an additional second for any unusual5.4.3 - Avoid Risky Drive Times weather or traffic conditions. See theMinimize or prevent high-stress situ- Minimum Safe Following Distanceations by avoiding difficult traffic situ- information in section 5.26ations. Older drivers may continue todrive safely for many years by adjusting 5.7 - Emotionstheir habits: Emotions can have an effect on driving safely. You may not be able to drive well • Driving during daylight hours. if you are overly worried, excited, afraid, • Driving in good weather. angry or depressed. • Avoiding rush-hour traffic. • Limiting fast-paced highway driving. • If you are angry or excited, give5.5 - When You Back Up yourself time to cool off. If necessaryCheck behind your vehicle before you take a short walk, but stay off theget in. Children or small objects cannot road until you have calmed down.be seen from the driver’s seat. Place your • If you are worried, down or areright arm on the back of the seat and upset about something, try to keepturn around so that you can look directly your mind on your driving. Somethrough the rear window. Do not depend find listening to the radio helps. • If you are impatient, give yourself 48

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014extra time for your driving trip. • Do not become frustrated or stressedLeave a few minutes early. If you out—if you do, remove yourself fromhave plenty of time, you may not the situationtend to speed or do other things that • Never get behind the wheel if you arecan get you a traffic ticket or cause a tired or irritablecrash. Don’t be impatient. Wait for a • Avoid confrontationtrain to cross in front of you. Driv-ing around lowered gates or trying 5.8 - Basic Driver Improvementto beat the train can be fatal. Any driver can take a basic driver im- provement course. The course teaches5.7.1 – Aggressive Driving ways of keeping crashes from happening.(Road Rage) One driver can sign up, or a group canRoad rage is defined as violent or visibly request a class. Consult your yellow pagesangry behavior by a driver of a motor under Driving Instruction for the loca-vehicle which can result in crashes or tion nearest you.other incidents on roadways. It alsocalled an extreme case of aggressive 5.9 - Safety Beltsdriving. The driver and front seat passengers must wear seat belts. The seat belt lawThe following are possible signs of applies to passenger cars manufacturedroad rage or aggressive driving: beginning with the 1968 model year, and trucks beginning with the 1972 model • Generally aggressive driving, year. It is unlawful for any person to op- including sudden acceleration, brak- erate a vehicle in this state unless every ing, and closely tailgating passenger of the vehicle under the age of 18 is restrained by a safety belt or by a • Cutting off other drivers, or child restraint device, regardless of seat- preventing other vehicles from ing position. A seat belt violation will be merging charged to the driver when a person un- der 18 is not restrained by a safety belt or • Hitting the horn or flashing lights a child restraint device. If the passenger is • Shouting obscenities, or threats 18 years of age or older and fails to wear • Hand gestures a seat belt when required by law, the pas- • Intentionally causing a crash senger will be charged with the violation. between vehicles • Getting out of a vehicle in an attempt to start a confrontation • Threatening to use or using a weapon• Throwing objects from a moving The law exempts the following from the seat belt requirements: vehicle • Any person certified by a physician as having a medical conditionWays to Avoid Road Rage that causes the seat belt use to be • Keep a cool head inappropriate or dangerous. Exempt • Avoid eye contact persons need to keep a copy for the • Never make obscene gestures physician certification in their pos- • Do not use your vehicle to session while operating a vehicle. intimidate others • Employee of a newspaper home • Get out of the left lane for other fast delivery service while delivering moving vehicles newspapers on home delivery routes. • If you witness something you think • School buses (purchased new prior is road rage, call police to December 31, 2000) 49

Official Florida Driver’s Handbook • 2014 • Buses purchased new after December 31, 2000 are required to be equipped with seat belts. Seat belts must be worn in these vehicles). • Buses used for transportation of persons for compensation. • Farm equipment. • Trucks of a net weight of more than 26,000 pounds. • Motorcycle, moped or bicycle.In a crash, you are far more likely to be Over 90 percent of the deaths and 80 per-killed if you are not wearing a safety belt. cent of the injuries in car crashes couldWearing shoulder belts and lap belts be prevented by using crash-tested childmake your chances of living through a restraints.crash twice as good. Each passenger on a school bus equippedIn a crash, safety belts: with safety belts or restraint systems shall • Keep you from being thrown from wear a properly adjusted and fastened the vehicle. The risk of death is five safety belt at all times while the bus is in times greater if you are thrown from operation. Seat belts on buses are exempt a vehicle in a crash. on buses purchased new prior to Decem- • Keep you from being thrown against ber 31, 2000. others in the vehicle.• Keep the driver behind the wheel, In passenger vehicles, children should be secured in the rear seat. Never secure a where he or she can control the child in the front passenger side, espe- vehicle. cially if your vehicle has an air bag. The• Keep you from being thrown against law requires every driver to properly se- parts of your vehicle, such as the cure children five years of age or younger steering wheel or windshield. in child restraint devices riding in a pas-Safety Belts Save Lives! senger car, van, or pick-up truck, regard-Wear a lap belt around your hips, not less of whether the vehicle is registeredyour stomach. Fasten the belt snugly. in this state. Infant carriers or children’sWear a shoulder belt only with a lap belt. car seats must be used for children upDon’t just use your safety belt for long to three years of age and younger. Childtrips or high-speed highways. More than restraint requirements do not apply to ahalf of the crashes that cause injury or chauffeur driven taxi, limousine, sedan,death happen at speeds less than 40 MPH van, bus motor coach, or other passen-and within 25 miles from home. ger vehicle if the operator and vehicle are for hire; however, it is the obligation and5.10 - Protecting Children responsibility of the parent, guardian orAll Children 5 Years Of Age Or Young- other person responsible for the child’ser Must Use A Restraint Device When welfare.Riding In A Motor Vehicle. 50 For children aged four through fiveThe number one killer of young children years of age, a separate carrier, an in-in the United States is traffic crashes in tegrated child seat or a seat belt maywhich children were not restrained at all. be used. All infant carriers and car seats